Variability in cardiovascular functions and baroflex sensitivity following inhalation of petroleum hydrocarbons

OBJECTIVE Although petroleum products are useful chemical compounds which form an integral part of our modern technology, they have been reported to cause deleterious effect on health following their inhalation. Petroleum hydrocarbons-dependent health hazards and their mechanisms have been associated with the routes of administration. This study, therefore, aimed at the isolation and chemical characterization of various petroleum products, and also investigating in rat model of Sprague dawley strain, the variability in cardiovascular functions and possible mechanism following inhalation of petroleum products. MATERIALS AND METHODS Control rats were not exposed to any form of petroleum products, while the petrol-exposed, diesel-exposed, and kerosene-exposed were exposed to petrol, diesel, and kerosene respectively. RESULTS When compared with the controls, all exposed groups showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR). In comparison with the control, exposure to petroleum products also led to significant (P<0.05) increase in baroreflex sensitivity in the diesel- and kerosene-exposed rats. Baroreflex sensitivity was comparable in the control and petrol-exposed rats (P>0.05). Body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in petroleum products exposed rats. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the variability of cardiovascular functions associated with inhalation of petroleum products is in attendant to baroreflex sensitivity and resetting of arterial pressure.